What is computer coding and how do you learn to code?

Computer
coding is the process of writing a set of instructions that are executed by a
computer. Coders use coding languages to write code.

Coding
languages are basically various ways of laying down the set of instructions
while coding. It is coding that creates the infrastructure of software,
applications and websites.

Computer
coding is a valuable skill, especially in the current world. Coding is the
foundation of the entire Information Technology industry.

Most people learn how to code to create a career
out of it. Others just do it for the fun of it. Learning to code gives you a
competitive advantage in the job market.

You also get
to understand, in a profound way, how computers work. Coding can also improve
your creativity and problem-solving skills. It also makes you more persistent,
improves collaboration and communication skills.

Computer
coding enables you to create useful programs, software and applications, and
can also provide a variety of career opportunities for you. If you are
interested in learning how to code, then you are on the right page.

Here, we
will provide you with information on how you can learn to code. We will give a
detailed step-by-step procedure for effective learning.

But before
that, we should mention that it is crucial for you to figure out why you want
to learn to code. This is important because it will determine which direction
you should take, and also how much time you should dedicate to studying.

For example,
if you aim to become a fully-fledged professional programmer eventually, you
might want to consider signing up for a college course. If you intend to create
basic codes as a hobby, online tutorials might be perfect for you.

Coding Languages

We will give
brief descriptions of the main coding languages

Java – It is
mostly utilized for creating apps, such as Android Apps. It is a very popular
coding language

Python –it is ideal for projects with huge sets of data. It is also highly versatile and can be applied for a wide range of tasks.

Swift – this is the language used to develop iOS applications.

HTML – It is mostly used in web creation, it is also the base language for all coding.

Ruby – this language is used in all kinds of coding. It is a very adaptable language, commonly used on desktops and mobile phones.

Let us look
into ways you can learn to code.

The first
step in learning to code is choosing a coding language

Choosing a Language

For you to
learn how to code, you have to choose a programming language that you can start
with.

The set of
instructions that are executed by a computer can be written in a few different
programming languages. Programming languages are basically different ways of
laying down instructions.

Specific
programming languages are used in developing particular types of computer
programs.

It is
therefore crucial that you choose a language that will help you in creating
what you want. As a starter, you might have to switch between languages until
you can get a good match. Let us look at some of the languages that you can
start with

C, C++, C#,
and related languages

These
languages are mostly used in developing standalone apps such as computer games.
C and C++ have been some of the most popular languages for long, while C# is
emerging to be a new favorite.

Learning
these languages will help you understand how programming works since most of
the other languages have common concepts with these.

You will
also acquire an in-depth understanding of how computers work. Even though C and
C++ might prove to be a little difficult for a beginner, many beginners have
successfully learned the languages, so it is not impossible.

Java or
JavaScript

Java is mainly
used in developing Mobile Apps while JavaScript is used in making web plugins.
The demand for these two languages has skyrocketed in the recent past –
learning them would profit you a lot.

The two languages might have almost similar
names, but they are entirely different languages.

Python

This is one
of the most adaptable languages, and it is used in creating a wide range of
programs. It is also easy to learn. If you are a beginner, we recommend that
you give python a try.

Consider PHP

PHP is widely
utilized in web programming. If you plan on going into server-side programming,
then PHP should be your language of choice.

It is a fairly straightforward language which
makes it quite easy to learn. It is also popular which means that online
tutorials on it might be readily available.

You can
start with any of the languages mentioned above, but you shouldn’t limit
yourself to these only, as there are many other programming languages, all
utilized to different ends.

If you want
to go into professional programming, you might want to learn a few of these
languages.

Once you
have singled out a language to start with, how then do you learn it?

Learning the Language

Consider going to school-If you plan on doing coding and programming as a career, then we suggest that you think about enrolling for a college degree.

Well, most
employers are particularly interested in your coding skills, but having a
college degree to point to can be an added advantage.

Also, you might be able to learn much faster
compared to teaching yourself. Such a decision will also require you to make
some financial considerations.

Learn from online universities-Some online universities do offer structured courses on coding and programming. Enrolling with one can be of much benefit to you.

Online
courses tend to be less expensive in comparison attending college offline.

Also, these
online universities do provide certificates once you pass the course. Studying
from home can be very convenient for many people.

Use online tools-You can access some incredible, free online programs where you can learn coding. Such free programs include Google’s University Consortium and Mozilla’s Developer Network. These services provide incredible learning resources

Online tutorials-There are many online tutorials where you can learn how to code. Many programming experts have websites where they guide beginners on the basics of programming.

Once you
have decided which programming language you want to learn, search online for
tutorials that focus on that particular language.

Start with Books meant for kids-Some programs out there are designed to impart programming skills in kids. But that doesn’t mean you cannot benefit from such programs.

An example
of such programs is MIT’s Scratch that has helped many beginners get a footing
in the coding world. These programs use clear means of learning which will make
it easier for you to learn.

Teach Yourself how to Code

Teaching
yourself will require you first to get a book or tutorial that focuses on the
programming language you want to learn. Online reviews will help you with
identifying a great book on programming.

The next
thing is to get an interpreter for the language you want to learn. An
interpreter is a computer program that creates machine code from the ideas you
have written in the programming language you’re learning.

This will
help you see things as they unravel. There are many interpreters available, al
you need to do is choose an appropriate one.

The next
step would be to pick examples of the language you are studying from the
book/tutorial and feed them to the interpreter program.

You can try
modifying the examples provided in the book and watch the interpreter do
different things.

Once you are
successful with the previous step, you can then try to create your own ideas
and put them in the interpreter to see whether you can form a functioning
program.

You can
start with simple codes such as a code to convert heights, and proceed to more
complex codes as you learn more. Once you get going, we can promise it will be
a lot of fun!

Once you
have learned how to code using your first language, you can now delve into
other programming languages.

To get the
most from a second language, we recommend that you choose a completely
different language from the first one. As an example, if Java was your first
language, you could learn Python as your second.

For you to
be great at coding, you need to write code and try new things consistently.
This is a field where you are always learning new things. You also have to keep
up with technological changes.

Skills Needed to be Successful at Coding

There are a
few skills that can prove to be of tremendous help to your coding endeavors

Attention to detail – for you to be successful at this you need to be capable of paying attention to every keystroke you make. Coding needs to be done meticulously, as one mistake can ruin the entire project.

Imaginative – for one to be great at coding, they need to be able to visualize elaborate designs that they can then execute through code.

Logical thinking – coding is a logic-based skill, so your reasoning skills need to be good.

Problem-solving skills – these skills are important for correcting system bugs and figuring out software issues.

Efficiency- a great coder is efficient with his planning and execution

Patience – writing code and fixing bugs takes a lot of patience

Memory – code can be elaborate and extensive which would require a good memory to stay focused

Visualization – coding needs one to be good at visualizing all the steps of the code

Coding for Beginners

When
starting in coding, here are some of the things that you will learn

An introduction to programming – the basics of what programming is

Variables – you will learn about coding variables

Clean code – how to use spaces, names, and comments to assist in keeping track of the coding process.

Advanced Coding

Coders in
the advanced level study the following

Scene management

3D Shapes

Transformation

Interactive web pages

Data modeling

Security from malware

Natural simulations

Language Fluency

Final Thoughts

Coding is
the building block of computer programming. Learning how to code can lead to a
successful career since coding is a skill that is in high demand. There are
various ways that you can learn to code.

Your choice on which way to study coding
highly depends on what you wish to achieve. If you want to be a professional
programmer in the future, we recommend that you enroll for a programming
degree.

However, if
you’re going to learn how to code just so you can make cool stuff, there are
multiple inexpensive ways of achieving that. The internet provides incredible
sources of information on coding.

Coding is a
very demanding skill. Learning how to code builds character. Once your patience,
persistence and problem-solving skills are put to task, you just might end up
being a much better person.

We have
provided a comprehensive guide on what coding is and how you can learn to code.
We hope that you will use this information to your advantage.

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About the author

Lamin

Geek Life Activated is my little corner on the web. I'm very passionate about tech, and i aim to use this blog to express that. I currently work as a System Administrator, and i love every second of it. I'm still new at it, so i'm learning something new everyday. I'm pretty open to learning new things, so please feel free to correct me if i'm wrong about anything, and you can contact me anytime you want. I'm a very easy person to talk to. :)